Monday, July 10, 2023

INDIA GETS ITS AERIAL TRACTOR TARGET

1.   Background.       The Indian Combat Helicopter has an air to air mode for its turret gun. An aerial target was used during training and trials. However during the trials critical drawbacks were noticed in the currently available aerial target rendering it unsuitable for being used as an aerial target for the purpose of air to air mode of firing. There was a longstanding requirement of a suitable aerial target as the currently available targets fell short of the requirements. 

2.   ACHUK Mk 1 Aerial Target.  The aforesaid difficulties were addressed by the team of two enthusiastic flight test engineers of HAL, Bangalore and ARMY. Another enthusiastic friend joined midway between the project implementation. This has resulted in development of a tractor towing the aerial target. The team addressed the critical drawbacks for developing a suitable tractor which should:-  

a)      tow a realistic target.

b)      have recording facility for debrief.

c)       be safe when flying with a manned aircraft.

d)      be easily controllable and reprogrammable.

e)      be small for ease of transportation (foldable, man portable, light).

f)   not require a runway or helipad to take off and land and can be operated from a field.

g)       be low cost and easily maintainable.

3.  Execution, Trials and Operation.   AHCUK Mk 1 was designed based on the defined requirements by the three enthusiasts. Prototype was build and trials were carried out at a field of an acquaintance. The team funded the prototype and tested it over a period of three months. The target was assessed by HAL experts on 06 Jul 2023.  

5.    Conclusion

Pictures of ACHUK  Mk 1 Aerial Tractor (blurred in pic) Target with Combat Helicopter 







No comments:

Post a Comment